Egypt is moving to place tighter limits on how children and teenagers use social media platforms. Lawmakers and regulators are drafting new rules aimed at reducing minors’ exposure to harmful content, online exploitation, and excessive screen time.
The push reflects growing concern within government circles that existing safeguards are inadequate for the scale and influence of today’s digital platforms.
Parliamentary Backing and Political Momentum
The initiative has gained support in Egypt’s House of Representatives, where legislators are working on a legal framework focused specifically on children’s online safety. The effort is backed at the highest political levels and draws inspiration from similar moves in Europe and Australia.
Officials argue that unrestricted access to social media has created a digital environment that children are not equipped to navigate without stronger protections.
What the Proposed Rules Could Include
While the legislation is still being shaped, policymakers have outlined several measures under consideration.
Platforms may be required to introduce stricter age verification systems to prevent underage access. Content could be classified by age, with clear limits on what minors are allowed to see. Stronger parental control tools are also expected to play a central role.
Another key proposal would require social media companies operating in Egypt to maintain a local legal presence. This would make it easier for regulators to enforce compliance and apply penalties where necessary.
Protecting Children Without Blocking the Internet
Egyptian authorities have stressed that the goal is not to ban social media for young people altogether. Instead, the focus is on risk reduction.
Social platforms are widely used for education, communication, and creative expression. Policymakers say the challenge is to preserve those benefits while limiting exposure to harmful content, online harassment, and digital addiction. Public awareness campaigns are expected to accompany any new regulations, aimed at helping parents and children understand safer online behaviour.
Part of a Global Regulatory Trend
Egypt’s move fits into a broader international shift toward regulating social media use by minors. Governments around the world are questioning whether platforms have done enough to protect younger users and whether self-regulation is sufficient.
By acting now, Egypt is positioning itself as part of this emerging global conversation on child safety, platform accountability, and the limits of digital freedom.
Open Questions and Enforcement Challenges
Significant questions remain. Age verification is technically complex and raises privacy concerns. Enforcement will depend on the willingness and ability of global platforms to adapt their systems to local laws.
There is also debate about how to regulate without overreaching or restricting access to information more broadly.
A Signal to Platforms Operating in Africa
Egypt’s proposed rules send a clear message to social media companies operating across Africa. Governments are becoming less willing to leave child safety entirely in the hands of platform policies.
If passed and enforced effectively, the new measures could influence how other countries in the region approach social media regulation for minors.
